NEW YORK, NEW YORK (NewsFirst) — Americans and travelers intending to witness the Times Square ball drop in person on New Year’s Eve will encounter increased security measures, as announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
The New York State Police will augment staffing and deploy state troopers, while the New York National Guard and other agencies will collaborate to patrol specific areas.
This decision follows alerts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal agencies to police departments nationwide regarding potential threats to large crowds during holiday celebrations. The concerns include the possibility of lone actors motivated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In response to the FBI alert, public safety agencies across the country are enhancing security for New Year’s Eve celebrations. For instance, in Las Vegas, where hundreds of thousands are expected to gather, police are intensifying security with measures such as mobilizing a bomb squad, hazmat teams, and employing low-level helicopter flights.
While New York City has not received any credible threats, Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the city is taking precautions “out of an abundance of caution.” Mayor Adams stated, “Safeguarding events of any size is something we excel at more than any other city in the nation. However, you’ll notice a significant security presence on the ground and in the air during the festivities to ensure New Yorkers can celebrate safely.”
